Bito-Lagertechnik presents with Leo Locative a system which is highly useful for many applications and very easy to operate. Compared to other driverless transport systems, Leo Locative does not require a steering mechanism and is ready for operation without prior time-consuming and expensive installation works. One particular advantage is that Leo vehicles follow an optical track, i.e. they move on lanes marked with floor tape that can be removed or ­rerouted just as fast and easy as it is applied.
Additional marking provides maximum orientation and allows the vehicles to drive to the correct destination. Leo Locative has been designed to transport bins and boxes weighing up to 20 kg. Technical infrastructure requirements are low. Leo Locative does not need a WLAN connection for navigating or communicating. A camera sensor ensures lane detection and is able to recognize data matrix codes. This allows the system to read direction commands along the transport route. The software is able to distinguish several destinations while starting from one and the same point.
Users benefit from a very high degree of flexibility.The transport system comes with a patented transfer concept: Leo Locative moves to a transfer station located on its track, delivers a bin and picks up another – without auxiliary electronics or expensive pneumatics. The transfer concept ­ensures that the system is always on the move. The vehicle has been designed for bins and containers sized 600 x 400 mm and 400 x 300 mm and can take two 400 x 300 mm bins at a time provided they are placed long side facing. Transfer stations can also be designed to serve as workplace for order pickers. With an added buffer area, the transfer station will accommodate more than one bin or carton. If the available space is occupied, a signal is given to the system which either reroutes the next transport vehicle or causes the vehicle to stop in front of the transfer station. Another advantage is scalability: in peak times, additional transport vehicles can be put en route.
The system is driven by two electric motors allowing a maximum speed of 0.8 meters per second. The rechargeable battery allows at least 8 hours of operation and is replaceable.